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5 ways to keep pollutants out of Utah’s storm drains

Communities everywhere are finding that water pollution in their storm sewer systems is becoming more and more of a problem. The effects of this is often seen across the shores of Utah’s waterways.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 50 percent of streams in the United States have medium to high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus.

 

Often when water quality suffers, the industries that depend on healthy water, such as the fishing and tourism industries, suffer as well.

Pollution comes from several common sources:

• Soil, erosion, pesticides and fertilizer runoff from yards and gardens can enter stormwater systems, which can then enter natural water-ways and groundwater.
• Chemical runoff from roads, driveways and other paved surfaces, such as oil, antifreeze, car soap, gasoline and more. High levels of these chemicals can create dead-zones in lakes, rivers, streams and coastlines.
• Bacteria from pet waste or leaky septic systems. This type of bacteria can enter natural water-ways and hurt natural ecosystems.

Fortunately, citizens can take steps to reduce or eliminate their impact on stormwater quality by making simple changes at home and in their businesses. Consider these tips for preventing pollutants from entering the storm water system.

 

1. Reduce your use of water for irrigation.

Lawns take a lot of moisture to maintain, especially in hotter, arid climates. Consider irrigating with a rainwater-capture system; reduce the amount of water-hungry turf covering your property and plant drought-resistant items that don’t require as much water.

 

2. Design landscaping that traps soil.

Choose ground cover that holds down soil, even under heavy rain. Study the topography and water-ways in the area around your home or business. Know where likely flooding is likely to occur and grade your land accordingly.

 

3. Build with water-conscious structures.

Certain types of infrastructure can be included in new commercial and residential developments to help capture and filter pollutants. Stormwater retention systems can capture, filter and recycle stormwater, preventing pollutants from leeching into either groundwater or simply running off into the storm drain system (Runoff from asphalt and concrete is a large problem since it bypasses the natural filtration offered by unpaved ground). You can encourage the inclusion of these kinds of structures into public and private developments in your community.

 

4. Maintain your septic system.

Regular inspections and pumping can extend the life of your septic system and prevent damage that is both costly to repair and leaks bacteria-laden sewage into storm water systems or natural water-ways. If you’re unsure about the health of your septic system, have an inspector check it out for you.

 

5. Clear up litter and debris from gutters.

Debris such as leaves, twigs, trash and grass-clippings can clot storm drains and lead to flooding. Simply sweeping up and composting your yard-waste can prevent a lot of that debris from entering the stormwater system. Fertilizers and pesticides can go along with that organic matter as well.

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